Aberdeen, Ocosta, and Pacific County schools part of $24.5 million grant

10 local schools will be included in a $24.5 million grant to increase college readiness and success for 5,500 low-income students in 48 schools statewide.

The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) has received the seven-year grant through the Washington State GEAR UP Program.

GEAR UP stands for Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs. WSAC will administer the grant in partnership with 26 low-income school districts, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, colleges and universities, and Washington State Employees Credit Union.

Locally this includes Aberdeen High School and Miller Junior High, North Beach Junior/Senior High School, South Bend Junior/Senior High School, Willapa Valley Middle/High School, and Ilwaco High School and Hilltop School in Ilwaco.

The local schools will receive GEAR UP services at some point during the seven-year grant.

“GEAR UP increases achievement during and after high school, which has a ripple effect beyond low-income students that also benefits their families and their communities,” Gov. Jay Inslee said. “This crucial program will benefit the next generation of Washingtonians who will go on to do great things.”

GEAR UP programs at the University of Washington and Washington State University will receive $12.2 million and $30 million.

GEAR UP will provide tutoring, mentoring, college and career counseling, college visits, family activities, financial aid awareness, and other services to help more students enroll and succeed in college. Washington State GEAR UP also provides professional development to staff to build program sustainability beyond the life of the grant.

“Washington is extremely happy to receive this funding. The new seven-year grant will boost collaboration between K-12 and higher education institutions, provide support to schools through professional development opportunities and student services, and significantly increase the number of low-income students prepared to enter and succeed in college,” said Michael P. Meotti, Executive Director of the Washington Student Achievement Council.

This is Washington’s fourth consecutive GEAR UP state grant. It was awarded after successful completion of a competitive application process. GEAR UP is required to provide a dollar for dollar match from non-federal resources. The cost sharing requirement will enable the new programs to provide $133 million in services over seven years.